Overcoming Show Pen Nerves, Coming Back After Loss, and Riding in College with Catherine Goffard

Overcoming Show Pen Nerves, Coming Back After Loss, and Riding in College with Catherine Goffard

Besties, this episode is giving horse show hangover, late-night John Justin energy, and the kind of post show conversation that somehow makes you laugh, tear up, and feel personally called out all at once. Scott is joined by Catherine Goffard fresh off an incredible APHA World Show, where she and Calvin (Obsessed to be Best) celebrated a showmanship win, reserve finishes, and a Western riding breakthrough that was years in the making. Before they dive into the ribbons, they chat about world show exhaustion, Catherine's night-shift nursing schedule, and why 2 a.m. practice rides are just part of life. Catherine shares her journey from Green Bay horse girl to TCU equestrian athlete, reflecting on how college catch-riding taught her confidence, adaptability, and the value of being part of a team that genuinely cheers for each other's success. That team-first mindset carries through the entire conversation. The pair also unpack Calvin's World Show, bringing along a talented but still-green all-around horse, and the mental challenge of Western riding. Catherine talks honestly about learning to trust, soften, and let go of control, plus the breakthrough ride that came from believing in her preparation. And yes, Calvin's now-famous snack of the arena decorations definitely gets a mention. The heart of the episode is an honest conversation about anxiety, confidence, and trusting both yourself and your horse. Catherine shares practical sports psychology tools she still relies on, including power posing, box breathing, grounding techniques, and focusing on the things she can control when the pressure is high. She also opens up about losing her once-in-a-lifetime horse, Gilly, and how Calvin represents not a replacement, but a new chapter built on patience, healing, and learning to trust again. It's a touching reminder that our greatest horses continue shaping us long after they're gone. By the end, this episode celebrates everything that makes horse showing unforgettable: the exhaustion, the laughter, the barn family, the inside jokes, and the horses that change our lives. It's full of practical mindset takeaways and a reminder that confidence is built one ride at a time, and no one has to do it alone. Sponsors NAC Equine: www.nac-equine-services.com [http://www.nac-equine-services.com] Crysta Brown Horsemanship www.cbhorsemanship.com [http://www.cbhorsemanship.com]

Surviving as a Young Trainer with Kyra Ley

This week we're catching up with horse trainer and content creator Kyra Ley to talk about everything from building a business in rural Montana to navigating social media, client relationships, and the realities of making a living in the horse industry. We dive into what it's really like being a young trainer, how platforms like TikTok have completely changed the way trainers attract clients, and why online education and virtual lessons are becoming an important part of a sustainable business. The conversation also takes a closer look at the horse show world. We share ideas for making local shows more affordable and welcoming, discuss why community matters just as much as the major events, and talk about the changes we'd love to see across the industry. Of course, we couldn't resist getting into the trainer-client relationship. From setting expectations and building trust to handling payments, communication, and the occasional online critic, Kyra shares honest insights from both the business and horse training sides of the fence. If you've ever wondered what goes into building a successful training program, choosing the right trainer, or balancing horses with entrepreneurship, this episode is full of practical advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of Horse Show Bestie conversations along the way. Follow Kyra: Instagram: @kyra.ley Facebook: Kyra Ley TikTok: @KyraLey295 Website: Ley Performance Horses Sponsors NAC Equine Services nac-equine-services.com [http://nac-equine-services.com] Crysta Brown Horsemanship CBhorsemanship.com [http://CBhorsemanship.com]

NSBA is Poppin Off! Bill Kaven Breaksdown Exactly What They're Doing To Grow The Industry!

This week on Horse Show Bestie, we're joined by Bill Kaven of the National Snaffle Bit Association, whose work spans two of NSBA's most influential areas: the Judges and the NSBA Yearling Sale. Bill shares an inside look at the NSBA Yearling Sale, how it has grown into one of the industry's premier sales programs, and the opportunities it creates for breeders, buyers, and exhibitors alike. We also discuss NSBA's mission, the role it plays across the horse industry, and how the association continues to expand its reach as an all-breed organization. The conversation explores NSBA's partnerships, incentive programs, and trophy initiatives, along with the ways the organization supports exhibitors across a wide range of disciplines. We also touch on the hunter-jumper world, warmblood registration, and the increasing crossover between different segments of the equine industry. As the Director of Judges, Bill offers valuable insight into the judging side of horse showing. We talk about the realities of judging, the challenges officials face, how judges are educated and evaluated, and the hierarchy that helps maintain standards across the industry. The discussion also tackles one of horse showing's most debated topics: subjectivity. From both the judge's and exhibitor's perspectives, Bill shares thoughtful insights into what competitors should understand about the process. From yearling sales to judging, industry growth to exhibitor education, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of the systems and people helping shape the future of horse showing. Sponsors Horse Show Bestie is proudly supported by our sponsors. NAC Equine: www.nac-equine-services.com Crysta Brown Horsemanship: www.cbhorsemanship.com Takeaways * NSBA's mission is to grow the horse show community through collaboration and support. * The NSBA Trophy Program is a unique and iconic aspect of the horse show community, representing collaboration and achievement. * NSBA's role as an all breed association allows for warmblood registration and support for unregistered horses. NSBA's diverse programs and initiatives cater to the needs of the horse show community. * The challenges and opportunities in judging highlight the importance of correctness and degree of difficulty in evaluating horse performances. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Horse Show Bestie * 06:02 Riding Goals and Ranch Show * 12:16 Euro Summit Show Success and Growth * 17:39 NSBA's Mission and Purpose * 29:37 Challenges and Opportunities in Judging * 41:56 Judging Hierarchy and Exhibitor Perspective * 56:00 NSBA's Inclusive Programs and Initiatives

How YEDA Is Creating Horse Kids Without Buying Horses... and How Trainers Can Benefit!

This week, Ric Weitzel, CRO of YEDA, joins us to talk all things YEDA and the important role youth programs play in the future of the horse industry. From catch-riding and lesson horses to scholarships, national championships, and creating opportunities for riders who don't have access to horse ownership, this conversation dives into the many ways YEDA is helping young equestrians find their place in the industry. We chat about the realities of building lesson programs, the challenges trainers face when trying to grow the next generation of riders, and why creating accessible entry points into horses matters now more than ever. The conversation also explores the financial side of the industry, the rising costs associated with participation, and what it takes to create sustainable programs that can continue serving riders for years to come. Along the way, we discuss coaching, mentorship, horse-and-rider matching, judging challenges, youth recruitment, and the often-overlooked work happening behind the scenes to keep equestrian opportunities available for young people. We also take a look at YEDA National Championship Week and the experiences, connections, and memories that make it such a special part of the program. It's a thoughtful conversation about growing the horse industry from the ground up, supporting young riders, and creating more opportunities for horse-crazy kids to become lifelong horse people. Support our sponsors: NAC Equine Services www.nac-equine-services.com [http://www.nac-equine-services.com] Crysta Brown Horsemanship www.CBhorsemanship.com [http://www.CBhorsemanship.com]

Planning Adult Horse Camp Without a Budget

This week we’re catching up on life updates and welcoming Scott back to the podcast before diving headfirst into designing the ultimate adult horse camp. We talk about transitioning horses, the social side of horse shows, and why horse people are all secretly craving more community, connection, and camaraderie in the industry. From choosing venues and clinicians to balancing educational sessions with fun, low-pressure activities, we’re basically building our dream horse girl summer camp in real time. Expect conversations about team-building, non-horsey activities, late-night hangs, and what it takes to create an experience that feels equal parts educational, social, and genuinely fun. If you’ve ever wished horse showing felt a little less isolating and a little more collaborative, this episode is for you. Support our sponsors! NAC Equine: www.nac-equine-services.com